La Seyne sur Mer observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
On the Mediterranean coast at La Seyne-sur-Mer, in southern France, the Antares Astrophysical Observatory has been introducing locals and visitors to astrophotography and deep-sky observing since the 1960s.
About La Seyne sur Mer observatory
Known officially as the Observatoire Antarès, the facility is run by the Antares Astronomy Club (Club d'Astronomie Antarès) at 193 Chemin des Eaux in La Seyne-sur-Mer. It was founded in 1965 and remains an active amateur astronomy centre on France's Var coast.
History
The observatory has operated continuously since 1965, built and run by members of the Antares astronomy club rather than a university or national agency - a genuinely community-driven site.
Telescopes & research
The observatory is equipped for astrophotography and deep-sky observation, and its members run amateur research programmes alongside public education work.
Location & getting there
La Seyne-sur-Mer sits on the Toulon roadstead in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, on France's southern coast.
Visiting La Seyne sur Mer observatory
The Antares club regularly opens the observatory for public workshops, observation evenings, and conferences. Hours can vary through the year, so it's worth calling ahead on +33 (0)4 94 87 74 47 or checking the club's listings before visiting.
See your named star from here
Whatever telescope the Antares club has trained on the sky on a given night, it could just as easily be pointed at the coordinates of a star named through Star Register. Name a star of your own, or browse the catalogue to see stars already claimed by others.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
